Graveney becomes MCC president

Tom Graveney takes over as the new MCC president

Former England batsman Tom Graveney has become the new MCC president as part of a series of changes at Lord’s.

The 76-year-old has taken over from Charles Fry in the role while four new members - including Rachael Heyhoe Flint - have joined the MCC committee.

Commenting on his appointment, Graveney said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be serving as president of MCC; it's the most famous, as well as the most active, cricket club in the world.

“It's a particular pleasure to be starting my term of office at such an interesting period in MCC's history. I first played at Lord's more than half a century ago, but I can't recall a time when there was so much going on at the ground.

“From the multi-million pound pavilion refurbishment project to the development of the country's first portable pitches, it's a truly fascinating time to become club president.

“The 2004 season has only just ended, but I'm already looking forward to next summer. I can't wait to see Bangladesh play their first Test match at Lord's next May, before this exciting England team takes on a genuinely great Australian side in July.

“The Ashes series may be nine months away, but it's already a mouth-watering prospect."

Heyhoe Flint - who becomes the first woman to join the MCC committee - commented: "I'm indebted to all the members who voted me onto the MCC committee.

“It's been a pleasure to have served on the marketing committee over the last couple of years - and I believe that we've achieved a great deal. There's more to learn, but I'm really looking forward to contributing to the work of the main MCC committee as well."

Other MCC changes will involve:

• Charles Fry, the out-going president, becoming MCC's chairman for the next three years

• Darrell Hair, one of the world's top umpires, becoming MCC's laws & umpiring consultant

• The committee also being joined by Mike Griffith (who topped the members' ballot), John Fingleton and Andrew Beeson